(SINL NIGERIA) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has vehemently condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, viewing it as a blatant attack on press freedom and a threat to democratic principles.
The Commission described the action as an unacceptable infringement on the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
NHRC, in a statement on Sunday by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages and made available to SINL Nigeria Online said the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu while reacting to the ugly incident said the governor’s decision to shut down the radio station without following due process is disappointing and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Chief Human Rights Officer noted that the consequences of suppressing press freedom are far-reaching and can lead to increased government opacity, reduced citizen participation, creat obstacles to accountability, and weakening of democratic institutions.
“The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy,” the Executive Secretary emphasized.
Consequently, the Learned Silk called on Governor Bago to immediately unseal the Radio Station and allow it to resume full operations.
He called on the Governor to channel issues concerning any alleged unconstitutional operations of the Radio Station to the appropriate authority and not act with impunity. “This is both a moral imperative and a democratic requirement” the Executive Secretary said.
Dr. Ojukwu who is also the president of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA) urged the governments to protect journalists and media freedom, foster a culture of tolerance, and support independent media. “Journalists must be able to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence,” he emphasized.
He lamented that the media has severally come under attack in various forms, a situation he termed as unacceptable in a civilized society.
He called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to be firm in carrying out its Statutory mandate which must not be abused at any slight opportunity.
According to the statement, Ojukwu used the opportunity to urge media practitioners to be professional at all times in order to prevent needless censorship by political office holders.
He also called on Nigerian Guild of Editors to provide professional guidance at regular intervals as this will curb the use of hate speech, fake news and other unprofessional conducts, capable of adversely affecting the media houses.
“While the Commission remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria it will continue to monitor the situation closely” Dr. Ojukwu concluded.
